Immunohistochemical detection of growth hormone-release inhibiting hormone (somatostatin) in the guinea-pig brain.

Utilizing the unlabeled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase method, we have studied the distribution of somatostatin (growth hormone release-inhibiting hormone) in the guinea pig brain. An immunohistochemical reaction was found in both internal and external zone of the caudal and median portions of the median eminence. Reaction products were also present in the arcuate nucleus in proximity of the third ventricule. The immunostained elements resembled nerve processes. No cell bodies were stained. A positive reaction was also present in the whole organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis. In the subfornical and subcommissural organs, somatostatin was observed in the ependymal and subependymal layers and the perivascular areas. In the pineal gland, a positive reaction was also found mainly in the perivascular areas. All the other brain areas were completely negative. These results establish that, in the hypothalamus, somatostatin is mainly concentrated in the median eminence and suggest that periventricular organs can play a role in the regulation of growth hormone secretion.